Description: This function sets the direction of the displayed plate element normal to a selected reference plate element. The element normal is calculated by using a right hand rule as applied to the element numbering (node 1, node 2, node 3, etc.) to establish the direction of the normal.
Usage:
1. DSI prompts:
> SELECT PART FOR AUTO NORMAL
2. User will be prompted to select a part or an element for a reference normal. The selected elements will display their current normal direction. DSI prompts:
> IS NORMAL DIRECTION ACCEPTABLE? (Y/N)
? YES
• All selected element normals will be made consistent with a referenced element normal. If normals are reversed for some elements DSI displays:
> NORMAL REVERSED FOR XXXX ELEMENTS
NO
• All displayed element normals will be reversed according to the referenced element normal.
Note: Selecting one part at a time is recommended. Parts that branch off or are separated do not always get adjusted properly.